just looking back at this show and what I liked was that some people took some time to post reviews and talk about stuff other then the quality of the recordings! I myself will stream any given show and if it sounds like shit I won't bother downloading it. I don't need peoples opinions and technical taper talk to decide for me if a show sounds good! If it aint that great it won't make it on my mp3 or CD player, but rarely do I not enjoy listening to a show. Now I have to say that 420 Mde reviewer is under suspicion in my eyes as far as who that exactualy is but no matter who it is that post is such a joke! That guy(or girl I suppose) waisted his time making himself look like a total ass and for what? Anyone who doesn't think that Mullins IS an extraordinary song writer/musician needs there ears and propably head checked! This is there first time back on the big stage together and Mullins did a damn good job in my eyes/ears! How the fuck are they supposed to be perfect right away anyway? I liked Ed but he did not fit in eH and Dave and him could barely harmonize at all and when John and Dave are ON, HARMONIC CONVERGENCE is at its best! Its 2008 now and I see it only getting better and that 5-6 year thing about them being able to hang with other bands is BULLSHIT! It hasn't been 2 years yet since this show and when eH are at there best at what they do... NO OTHER BANDS CAN EVEN TOUCH HOOKAH! I'll leave it at that and I really hope people like 420 Mde don't even bother going to Hookahville because that negativity don't do nothing good for anyone, except maybe people like 420 Mde get off on it! PEACE and GOOD TIMES and MUSIC to all!!! I am suprised I came on so strong with this review and i thought I may have disrespected tapers with how it starts out. I can't thank the people that make these shows available to us fans enough so that wasn't the intention and I also have no idea who wrote the post I was responding to its just that whoever it was had there head in there behinds in my opinion! Its all about the music anyway...PEACE to everyone!

this was my first hookaville, and deffinately not my last. what a kick ass show, and good job mullins. I have one thing to say and that is ED who? i liked ed don't get me wrong but i think this is the right change for hookah. I also thought when popper and chan came out it was cool, but i would rather listen to the tracks with JoeBLow. amazing last three songs. great hookahvile.

I dont know what that 420 guy has a problem with.I was at the show ,and I thought john fits back in just fine.It seems like someone always trys to ruin the GOODTINES!!

I THE TITLE OF MY REVIEW SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!!

John Mullins brings a unique sound back to this band. No longer does half of the songwriting have that "generic jamband" feel that Ed gave to it. John's rhythm playing is great. It is nice to have a rhythm player that isn't getting in Steve's way. John's songs compliments Steve's style very well and they give him plenty of possibilities to go off. And the harmonies are better than ever! Hookah is back and this show is a great example.

The encores alone are worth the download.

Don't worry, Ed. You're still the next Dave Matthews in my eyes.

Okay, I have seen Hookah change now a few times. When Ed left Ekoostik Hookah after NYE 2005, the band has achived some pretty great things, but most of all they had developed a different sound then most jambands. With John back in the band, it's like they took a step back to what they were when John was kicked out. With time, I know that they can get that edge back, John has some serious work to do. Major CATCH UP work folks, major. Listening to this recording, I can barely hear John on any of the tracks that aren't his songs. Almost like he tries to hide in the mix, Sweney is all over the place and blasting through. John however can't hang and this recording really shows it. The "Thumper" tries to be hard edge, but is kind of joke. I'm glad I didn't spend all that money on a ticket for Spring Hookahville, I would have been PISSED! "Washboard Annie" with Blues Traveler...what a waste. You got Johnny P and Chan just blowing and the same old '94 Ekoostik Hookah backing them up. Steve at times shines like no other, but you can tell he's holding back to let John keep up. All the years Steve has dragged EH through the mud, kicking and screaming AND NOW he holds back? I don't get it folks, I just don't get it. Like I said, with about 5-6 years more work and practicing EH might be able to hang with other bands, but will it be too late. Only good music and time will tell.

Now, I must say that I am VERY impressed with the recording. The C1000's are a solid mic, but not something I look for when I scan for a source. The combo with the UA5 & the Nomad is really good. The recording is kind of muddy, which is the C1000's, but the UA5 & Nomad smooth out the low & highs. I would have expected to hear more crowd in the mix, and you don't. A very nice blend. Now, the mix at the show is amazing. Even though the recording is muddy, you can tell how clean and accurate the mix is. Sounds like Dan their sound engineer is still as sharpe as ever.

I want to give this recording 4 stars, but I can't. The performance needs that much work. I giving it three stars based purely on a great recording. Good recording for the collection, but not a high light.

PS - The "Life Is Good" is pretty good. The Sweney, Johnny P, Chan square off is tastey.

stellar show with a new breath of life! welcome back john! the last three tracks alone are worth the download!

This show is soooo freakin amazing for so many reasons!! long live the schwaaaaa

Hell Yeah! This show rocks....and the Jack Straw and Pigs are the icing on the cake. Jack Straw is...uh...f-ing intense! Sound and playing are top notch. Get this show now.

me and my wife's first hookahville, and first show since the return of Mullins...what a magical night. "we played guitars by the fire light and we sang till the time came to go"! even my 2yr old dug it!

thanks for capturing this forever...can't wait till friday night is up too!

Thanks for this trip back to that special night.

BYI - the Saxophonists name is Joe "Joe Blow" Crump.

This captures the spirit of a reborn Ekoostik Hookah, the growl of Mullins surrounded by the just nasty jamming of fully muture and revived bandmates, playing their music again better than ever. More!

his name is Chan Kinchla. the fest rocked!

PHIL

I've been listening to this one all day at work, and it's just what the doctor prescribed! Excellent audio quality, and what a show! John you exceeded all expectations! My hat's off to you (and you know that doesn't come off too often :-)

Thanks so much Kegan for making my day that much better!

-Chris